PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan, said that employment conditions in Bandung City still face quite significant challenges.

The current open unemployment rate stands at 7.24 percent, while layoffs remain quite high. Meanwhile, Bandung is also a destination for many job seekers from outside the region.

"The employment challenge in Bandung City is that our open unemployment rate remains above 7 percent. At the same time, we also face the reality of a relatively high layoff rate, while many people from outside Bandung come to find work. Therefore, we want all stakeholders to provide input so that the resulting solution is truly comprehensive," said Farhan at the City Discussion event at the Aryaduta Hotel in Bandung on Wednesday (July 15, 2026).

It is important to note that this forum brings together the government, business world, academics, and the public to formulate concrete steps to reduce unemployment and address the challenges of layoffs.

According to Farhan, efforts to reduce layoffs cannot be achieved solely through regulations. What's more important is creating a healthy business climate so that businesses can survive and create new jobs.

"To ensure job opportunities in Bandung, the only key is to create a healthy business climate. Bandung's biggest investment opportunity currently lies in the education sector," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Bandung City Manpower Office, Yayan Ahmad Brilyana, explained that the Manpower Office has prepared a number of strategies to address the potential increase in layoffs due to global economic dynamics.

The first program is to strengthen competency-based training tailored directly to the needs of the industrial sector. Basic training will be provided by other regional agencies, while the Manpower Office will focus on advanced training that produces certified workers.

"The training must be precisely tailored to industry needs. The training must not be misplaced, but the needs must be met. Therefore, the Manpower Office is now focusing on competency-based training equipped with BNSP certification so that participants are competitive when entering the workforce," said Yayan.

In addition to training, the Department of Manpower is also expanding its labor-intensive program as a precautionary measure against the impact of layoffs while also supporting urban planning.

Another program that continues to be strengthened is subsidized internships in collaboration with the hotel, restaurant, and cafe industries. Under this program, participants receive transportation, meals, and two to three months of work experience.

"This internship provides two benefits. It helps industry find workers, while participants gain work experience and skills. Most participants ultimately find employment, and some even go on to start their own businesses," he said.

Not only opening up job opportunities domestically, the Bandung City Government also continues to encourage the placement of workers abroad, especially to Japan, which currently requires a large number of workers in the caregiving, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors.

The Manpower Office is now partnering with various Job Training Institutions (LPK) to prepare prospective workers. The government is providing Japanese language training subsidies of Rp10 million to Rp15 million for participants who are deemed ready to depart.

"Now the pattern has changed. Residents register with the LPK, and once they're ready to depart, we subsidize their training. In the near future, around 50 people will be sent to Japan. The hope is that they'll return not only with income but also with skills, language skills, and a disciplined work culture," he said.

In addition, the Manpower Office is also collaborating with Bandung University of Technology to open up opportunities for students to work in Japan while continuing their education.

"We are currently collaborating with UTB and providing opportunities for its students to work in Japan and continue their education," he said.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/rka)